The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has prepared 12 recommendations for
better use of energy used for lighting. This was part of the important
national effort to have the public realize the need to avoid wasting energy, and that
quality lighting could be obtained with reduced energy levels. Each of the 12
recommendations listed below should be considered when modifying an existing
lighting system or designing for new construction or remodeling. For example, IES
has quality and quantity recommendations for the light on the task. Where
practical, a distinction should be made between task lighting and lesser needs for
circulation. In this way, designers can develop approaches that can be more
aesthetically pleasing, or more cost effective, or more energy efficient than
conventional approaches.
Maintenance of the lighting system involves three steps:
Each of the steps outlined above is designed to put more light on the task (desks, assembly lines, store displays, shelves, etc.). Although all are valuable, research indicates that periodic cleaning and lamp replacement before lamp failure play the most significant role in maintaining the amount of light you originally bought and continue to buy each day. In fact, just cleaning your lighting fixtures once a year can be a very worthwhile investment, although more frequent cleaning may be needed if the location is very dirty or dusty.
